Co2 Equimpent

[shrimply]

Hi Guys, if you've read my earlier post you'll know that I intend to begin my project with out CO2 injection, however this is far from ideal. So doing a little research to see what's possible.

I have very little money, but have about £60 that isn't budgeted for anything else. The reason I know this is that its in my pocket and could probably find a little bit more.

At the minute I'm really just researching the cheapest way of doing things.

Basically £30 will go towards a 5kg fire extinguisher. After that I have a few questions.

Firstly the regulator, now this part terrifies me, I'm trying to find the cheapest equipment available. But when your working with such ridicules pressures you just really can't afford for the equipment to be dodgy. For this reason, I'd be much happier buying from the UK, where I'm sure there will be standards that have to be met. I don't know if this is sensible.

So if anyone has any suggestions about the cheapest place to get one I'd be grateful. Also wondered if they have to be marketed for the aquarium trade. Would something like this be suitable, and how do I know if it has the right fittings, are they standard?

Solenoids, what's the deal here. It seems to me that for the little cost they will at least double how long your canister lasts. What's the current thinking here, is the build up of CO2 created over night, more beneficial to the plants than it is detrimental to the fish. Or is the carbon as well switched off over night.

Last question I think, For a 60 gallon tank is a diffuser or reactor the better option. The little glass diffusers look a lot nicer if they are suitable. I think ideally I'd buy an in-line reactor, but they seem very expensive.

And any other advice about the cheapest way of doing things is appreciated, but I understand that some corners just can't be cut.

 

[mdwheeler]

Solenoids, what's the deal here. It seems to me that for the little cost they will at least double how long your canister lasts. What's the current thinking here, is the build up of CO2 created over night, more beneficial to the plants than it is detrimental to the fish. Or is the carbon as well switched off over night.

Solenoids simply shut off your co2 flow by being hooked up to either a ph controller or a timer. This is their sole purpose. Plants do not need co2 during night as they only consume it when under light. When the lights go out the plants will actually begin to release co2 back into the water. As for your fish if your ph doesn't drop drastically (below like a 6.2 or so) and you have fairly hard water I wouldn't worry about them. Basic signs of too much co2 for fish is increased respiration and lingering towards the surface of the water as well as breathing off the top of the water. Some people actually put an air pump on a timer and run it at night to quickly eliminate the co2 in the water.

 

[shrimply]

Thanks, I thought I read something about the build up of CO2 being good for the plants after the lights being switched on, so it means they can utilise CO2 staright away. Could be making it up though

OK so if I bought

This Fire Extinguisher

This Kit

This diffuser/bubble counter

And this tubing

You reckon I'm ready to go?
Seller is in Taiwan but Azoo is a known product. So I'm hoping it will be alright.

Anyone with more experience who can direct would be appreciated but at under £90 it might be doable.

 

[mdwheeler]

Your DEFINITELY set. I'll be honest I don't know how to make the extinguisher setup but I know it is a very successful and cost effective setup. The regulator is definitely a good one. The whole deal about co2 buildup is true. I would have your co2 system running about an hour or so before lights on that way the water is readily saturated for the plants.

 

[klay]

HI
I'm also researching for a CO2 set up. I think you found a bargain with 5kg extinguisher.
This review of the Azoo regulator put doubt in my mind
<a href="http/www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumap...experience.html" target="_blank">http/www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumap...experience.html</a>
The next cheapest alternative I could find is this
<a href="http/www.firststopaquatics.co.uk/cgi-bin...7_2f2#a7077_2f2" target="_blank">http/www.firststopaquatics.co.uk/cgi-bin...7_2f2#a7077_2f2</a>
There's a good thread about regulators here
ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=3090&​start=0

Paul

 

[aaronnorth]

the reg you linked to in your first post will not work, as it is CO2/ argon/ nitrogen mix. It needs to be just CO2, so the Azoo reg is fine.


That diffuser is only 25mm, it might not be big enough to keep up with the high rate of injection, i used one that size on a 60litre and half the surface was needed to diffuse the CO2, with a much higher bubble rate it might not be that efficient. A reactor would be better as it will be in the flow from the fitler, but a diffuser will be fine aslong as the bubbles get blown about everywhere.

And you need a non return valve


There is a guide in my sig, if it helps any further.

 

[shrimply]

Thanks aaron, read your guide thoroughly already . Very helpful.
I made the assumption, that non-return valves for regular airpumps would be all I need. Which I have plenty of, maybe this is not the case?
I think I'll just order that regulator, and have a look for a different cheap reactor or diffuser, have you got any suggestions?
I will also need a bubble counter if it isn't intergrated.
Oh and I am right in thinking the regulator and solenoid incorporates a needle valve aren't I.

 

[aaronnorth]

Thanks aaron, read your guide thoroughly already . Very helpful.
I made the assumption, that non-return valves for regular airpumps would be all I need. Which I have plenty of, maybe this is not the case?
I think I'll just order that regulator, and have a look for a different cheap reactor or diffuser, have you got any suggestions?
I will also need a bubble counter if it isn't intergrated.
Oh and I am right in thinking the regulator and solenoid incorporates a needle valve aren't I.

Any NRV will be fine, just make sure it is better quality as the cheap plastic ones can leak, i use glass.
I use the 2 for £5 diffusers off ebay, they do different sizes, rhinox are the better quality ones, but are more expensive at about £15 a piece, maybe cheaper on ebay though. Reactors are about £40 too. You could DIY ne if you are up for it?

yes, the needle valve will be on the reg kit.

 

[hunter001]

the reg you linked to in your first post will not work, as it is CO2/ argon/ nitrogen mix. It needs to be just CO2, so the Azoo reg is fine.


That diffuser is only 25mm, it might not be big enough to keep up with the high rate of injection, i used one that size on a 60litre and half the surface was needed to diffuse the CO2, with a much higher bubble rate it might not be that efficient. A reactor would be better as it will be in the flow from the fitler, but a diffuser will be fine aslong as the bubbles get blown about everywhere.

And you need a non return valve


There is a guide in my sig, if it helps any further.

That first reg is fine, theres a drop down menu and the do one JUST for CO2. Would work out more in the long run though unless anyone knows of any cheap solenoids

 

[aaronnorth]

the reg you linked to in your first post will not work, as it is CO2/ argon/ nitrogen mix. It needs to be just CO2, so the Azoo reg is fine.


That diffuser is only 25mm, it might not be big enough to keep up with the high rate of injection, i used one that size on a 60litre and half the surface was needed to diffuse the CO2, with a much higher bubble rate it might not be that efficient. A reactor would be better as it will be in the flow from the fitler, but a diffuser will be fine aslong as the bubbles get blown about everywhere.

And you need a non return valve


There is a guide in my sig, if it helps any further.

That first reg is fine, theres a drop down menu and the do one JUST for CO2. Would work out more in the long run though unless anyone knows of any cheap solenoids

didnt see that
Solenoids are £20 on ebay, cheapest place,

 

[shrimply]

Cool, think I'm going to go ahead and order the fire extinguisher and regulator, then spend a bit of time looking for the best/cheapest accessories. Just need the go ahead from my dad.

Another question. Have any of the people got any tips about securing the fire extinguisher to make sure it doesn't get knocked over. I mean I'm pretty sure it won't but don't want to send a extinguisher through the wall.

 

[shrimply]

I got the go ahead

So ordered the regulator. Had to email the fire extinguisher seller to ask about shipping since I'm in Scotland so just waiting for a reply.

And my dad's talking about getting his joiner mate to build a cupboard which matches my tank and cabinet to hold the CO2 cylinder.

Now I'm away off to look for the other small bits and pieces I need, and will check with you guys before I purchase them. Really pleased that its all going ahead.

 

[shrimply]

OK, back again,lol lots of posts in a row sorry.

Looking at this diffuser
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Live-Aquarium-Fish-T...id=p3286.c0.m14

This Bubble counter and check valve
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brand-New-Bubble-Cou...id=p3286.c0.m14

And probably this tubing.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/3M-10Feet-Air-tube-f...id=p3286.c0.m14

And I should be all set. Only problem is its coming from Hong Kong It'll take ages to get here and I'm a very impatient person. But If I want to do it for a decent price there is no other option.

 

[aaronnorth]

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-Flat-Aquarium-Ta...id=p3286.c0.m14

^ They are the diffusers I, and many others use. Cheap and handy because you can soak one while using the other



I also use that BC & Check valve

I found it took 7-10days for my order to arrive.

 

[shrimply]

Thanks, pretty much got everything else sorted now. The fire extinguisher has been paid for.

And I won a similar bubble counter and check valve to the one I posted for £0.99 with free postage from aquatic magic, which was a good deal if it comes.

SO yeah thanks for all the help. Don't think its the end of the questions though. Been one on lighting and one on CO2. Will be posting a new on on ferts soon,lol.